7 Key Reasons Nigeria Adopted Representative Democracy

INTRO. In its most basic sense, democracy is a system where the people eventually possess the power. Modern states have representative democracy and the citizens themselves choose the leaders to represent them in the decision-making process. The model is particularly applicable to large and diverse countries and allows effective governance and participation by the population.

In Nigeria’s case, the reasons Nigeria adopted representative democracy are deeply rooted in its history, demographic structure and efforts to build an inclusive and legitimate political system after independence. This article explains the seven major factors that shaped Nigeria’s choice of representative democracy. Read on to learn more.

Reason 1: Managing Nigeria’s Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

Nigeria’s immense diversity home to more than 250 ethnic groups makes direct democracy unrealistic and potentially polarising. Representative system provides platforms where various communities can present their interests through elected officials.

 According to research conducted by Chatham House, it is important to have inclusive institutions in the governing of the multi-ethnic societies, especially where historical tensions are involved. This system makes sure that the voices of the minorities are not silenced, hence enhancing the unity and political stability of a nation.

Reason 2: Colonial Foundations of Representative Institutions

British colonial rule played a big role in the political development of Nigeria as it set the early stages of representative governance. The initial legislative council that was formed during the Clifford Constitution of 1922 had elected members of African origin and this formed the basis of parliamentary representation.

 Further constitutional amendments have over the decades expanded participation and enhanced legislative systems. These early institutions helped familiarise Nigerians with electoral politics, making representative democracy the natural successor at independence.

Reason 3: Governing a Large and Complex Population

Nigeria has a population of 218.5 million people who live within a vast surface area and thus need a system that can effectively organize governance. Direct democracy in which all citizens would be involved in every decision-making would be unrealistic.

 According to civic education sources in Nigeria, the size of the population and geographical dispersion require a representative government whereby the elected officers consult and make laws on behalf of the citizens. This model promotes systematic management on federal, state and local levels and makes the process of making decisions systematic and manageable.

Reason 4: Establishing Legitimacy After Independence

Having gained independence in 1960, Nigeria had to have a new system of governance that was representative of the people and no longer tied to the colonial rule. Representative democracy provided a system based on participation, accountability and legitimacy.

 Scholars writing in the LSE’s Democratization and Development blog note that post-independence Nigeria required democratic institutions to validate leadership and encourage citizen trust. The system empowered sovereignty and affirmed national self-determination by letting the Nigerians elect their leaders.

Reason 5: Strengthening Stability Through Checks and Balances

The political life in Nigeria has involved some instability in terms of military coups and dictatorship. In order to rise above these obstacles, the nation had to have a system of constitution that shared power and provided accountability.

 The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria formalised separation of powers in the executive, legislature and judiciary. It is this system that has been able to offer the checks and balances that would have offered stability in the long run, including judicial checks, legislative checks and limits on executive authority. Representative democracy was thus stabilising to a country that required stable governance.

Reason 6: Enhancing Accountability Through Elections

The other aspect of representative democracy is the accountability of the leaders to the citizens because leaders are answerable through regular and competitive elections.  The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) is one of the organizations that are central to transparency and electoral integrity.

 The Nigerian model of democracy guarantees that accountability has high incentives as the electorate is given the opportunity to either reward or punish the leaders based on their performance. This process strengthens the social contract and gives citizens the ability to shape the outcomes of governance shaping improvements in the delivery of public services.

Reason 7: Aligning With Global Democratic Norms

Lastly, the fact that Nigeria has embraced the representative style of democracy is an international trend and the global embrace of democratic forms of governance. In the late twentieth century, nations in Africa and other parts of the world adopted democratic reforms as a way to legitimacy, development aid and international cooperation.

 The devotion of Nigeria to representative democracy enhanced its diplomatic relations and brought it close to international borders regarding human rights and governance. Chatham House analysts note that with democratic systems, credibility in the international arena is promoted and foreign investment and collaboration are encouraged.

Conclusion:

The seven reasons Nigeria adopted representative democracy indicate a convergence of demographic facts, historical factors and dreams of a stable and inclusive government. Representative democracy provided Nigeria with an effective framework for managing ethnic diversity and enhancing legitimacy after independence.

 Nigeria keeps up the progress towards a more inclusive and stronger political future by adopting institutions that are based on accountability and participation.

 

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